Bessie Marie Harmon Braden, age 73, passed away November 22, 2024. She was born January 29, 1951 to the late John Henry Harmon Sr. and Tilda Pauline “Lizzy” Barber Harmon. She was a member of Indian Bluff Baptist Church. Bessie was a valuable member of her community. She was instrumental in getting city water to the mountain homes where she lived. She also was the driving force in having the dumpsters moved from Braden Flats to the Convenience Center. Bessie worked for 20 plus years for the United States Postal Service. She was a big UT and ACHS Mavericks Fan. One of her favorite past times included road trips. She visited most 40 states and even Canada. To add to the road trips she was always wanting a fishing pole to drop a line into any body of water. She loved family get togethers and outings. On said road trips and outings she never met a stranger. To know her was to love her and all of her sass.

Along with her parents, Bessie is preceded in death by her husband of 42 years: Phillip “Frank” Braden, son: Phillip Leo Smith, chosen son: James “Jamie” Stuart, brothers: John Henry Harmon Jr., J.B. Barber, Curtis Lee Barber, Tommy Carl Barber, and sisters: Patricia Barber Burress Searle, Lousanna Harmon Marlow, Ruby Barber Wilson, Kathleen Barber Daugherty, Alma Barber Hegwood, Helen Barber Sharp, and Nancy Barber Braden.

Survivors Include:

Children   Catrina “Tina” (Danny) Braden Smith

                 Benjamin “Benji” (Stephanie) Braden

                 Frances Lee (Joe) Braden Daugherty

Chosen Brother   Charlie Smith

Brother in Law   Francis Braden

Sisters in Law   Irene Harmon

                         Lecia (Jack) Trammell

                         Linda (LA) Coffman

                         Barbara Barber

                         Margaret Barber

                         Cindy Barber

Grandchildren   Phillip, David and Corrie, Nathan and Regina, Holley and Stephen, Bailey, Abbey and Devin, Garrett, Hailee and Robby, Desireê and Ian.

Great Grandchildren  Landon, Duncan, AnnaBella, Haylynn, Paxton, Leigh, Grace, Abel, Adalee, Maelynn, Harlon, Grayson, and Madelyn.

And a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members are left to mourn Bessie’s passing.

Visitation: 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 1, 2024 at the Indian Bluff Baptist Church in Briceville.

Funeral Service: 2:00 PM, Sunday, December 1, 2024 at the Indian Bluff Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Goans officiating.

A Graveside Service will be held following the funeral service on Sunday, December 1, 2024 at the Indian Bluff Baptist Church Cemetery.

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